 Fasque
A derivative of a gaelic word simply meaning 'shelter', Fasque turned
out to be something of an irony for its' new owner. In 1809 this grandiose
residence was built to replace a graceful 18th century house,
but Sir Alexander Ramsay must have underestimated his financial position
in his enthusiasm to acquire a palatial home because by 1829 he could
no longer afford to keep it. Returning to his native Scotland after
42 years, John Gladstone, the son of a successful corn merchant, bought
the estate of Fasque with the wealth he had created from his varied
activities both home and abroad. As well as being a remarkably astute
businessman, John Gladstone had been a popular MP for ten years, and
was responsible for the building of churches at Liverpool and Leith.
Having substantially extended the estate and made numerous improvements
to both the house and grounds, he later began building a church at Fasque.
In 1846 he was awarded a baronetcy. The eldest son, Sir Thomas Gladstone,
became the 2nd Baronet and inherited the property in 1851
when his father died. Emulating his father in many ways, Thomas was
a successful businessman, and continued to expand the estate.
But it was John's younger son, William, who was to take an active interest in politics and gained
recognition as one of the country's most famous Victorian politicians.
Fasque was home to William Gladstone for over 20 years, prior to his father's
death, and it was a place he had a great affection for. Despite the pleasures
that the estate afforded him, William did not feel comfortable visiting
Fasque under his brother's ownership as a rift had developed between them,
but he was able to return at a much later point in his life. Established
as the ancestral home of this influential family, the present day Gladstones
still occupy the west wing of the house, while the remaining rooms have
been left virtually unchanged since the time of William's occupation.
Certain features of the house suggest that John Paterson was the original architect for Fasque, whose designs were based largely on a classical theme but with hints
of the popular Greek Revival style incorporated in the final results.
The house contains some fairly impressive state rooms, but equally worth
a mention is the extensive domestic wing where a large contingent of
servants, maids, butlers and kitchen staff worked and lived. A few examples
of the world renowned 'Gladstone bags' have been placed in the entrance
hall but their significance is somewhat overshadowed by the majestic
staircase leading to the upper rooms. It is in one of these rooms that
the visitor is able to witness the popularity of William Gladstone,
four times Prime Minister of Britain, in an enviable collection of souvenirs
and addresses from his supporters and admirers throughout the world.
We understand that the house is no longer open to the general public,
but pre-arranged group visits are still available. |
